How to know if your Kids Toys have been Recalled

Every country has product and safety laws that are in place to protect the quality and ingredients of most items available to consumers. Toy safety is one that is if utmost importance as they’re played with often. The recent toy recalls witnessed due to high levels of lead and illegal substances found in the “Bindeez” craze, our divisions for safety have proven to have failed.

Children’s toys are everywhere. They are given as gifts, found in cereal boxes and even in meal deals found at McDonalds and Burger King. Soon we find the toy box crammed with toys that we can’t remember where they came from. So how safe are these toys?

How can you, as a parent determine if these toys are not safe and have been recalled? Reading some of the guides below will educate you further when looking for toy recalls and safety information.

STORE ALERTS

Usually placed where all consumers can view important information, you will find any safety and recall alerts within the store. A sign will be posted in front of a supermarket register, or the doorway of a toy store to inform consumers of recalls that may affect them.

Next time you’re in your local store, take some time to read this material, as it’s important to getting the information to the masses.

MANUFACTURERS WEBSITE

When browsing the web, regularly check major toy manufacturer’s websites. If it isn’t one of their toys that have been recalled, there will exist a warning or notice within their news section to inform parents of hazards and recalls.

READ THE BOX

When purchasing toys for your children or for other children, always read the box and what ingredients are contained within. Be aware of paint and items that contain small parts that can be put into mouths. When buying jeweller, look at what the beads are made from. Be aware of “cheap” toys that are purchased overseas at high discounted and bulk prices.

Try and buy from manufacturers that are trusted and if possible, made within your own country instead of overseas.

TOY REGISTRATION AND GUARANTEE

With many toys come a small manufacturers guarantee card. After removing the toy from its box, always fill out the card within and send it to the manufacturer. They will then put your information in file; send you important information regarding updates, news and recalls for future notice.

MEDIA

Read your local newspaper often. The media are usually the first to break product and toy recalls to consumers and the public, a large announcement may usually be found. If you do not receive a paper, go to their website as it will also be found there if there is an announcement.

Local current affair programs also may provide a segment that tells it’s viewers about toy recalls too. Visit the website of your current affair program and enter “toy recalls” into the search engine.

PRODUCT RECALL WEBSITE

I have a website set to my favorites that I check often which advises me of all types of products that are being recalled. It has information on food, toys, cars and other chemicals that should be a concern to the consumer. This website also has a search engine, so you may type in the product you may be concerned about and see if it’s listed within their database.

http://www.recalls.gov.au/ for Australiansorhttp://www.cpsc.gov/ for citizens of the U.S

Go through your children’s toy box and select several of the toys they pkay with often. Then go to this website and enter the manufacturer or name of toy and see if it appears on the website. If so, this toy may have been recalled. Follow the directions and remove it immediately from your children.

As a parent and as a consumer we all need to be more aware or the toys our children are playing and interacting with. Some can be inhaled, consumed or contain dangerous levels of chemicals that can enter our children’s bodies through the skin. Always read the labels on boxes and choose your children’s toys wisely.